Page 102 of Edge of Heaven

It feels like we haven’t talked in a long time, and there’s so much to say.

But it’s only fair that I start.

TARYN: I love you.

Chapter35

Mick

I didn’t seethe notification that I had a message on WhatsApp right away.

I’ve been busy with Toby, spending the day with him. We built Legos, did schoolwork, and then he went to a physical therapy thing they have him doing so he doesn’t lose all his muscle while he’s too weak to be active.

He’s a great kid, and he looks just like Taryn.

Even with everything he’s gone through with the treatments, he’s always smiling, laughing, excited to hear about my band. I played him a few songs that don’t have any curse words or overt sex-related lyrics, and he loved them. He’s smart and easygoing too.

The best thing in my opinion is that he loves his mom and doesn’t resent her at all for leaving him to work.

“Mommy’s a model,” he tells me proudly.

“I know,” I say. “She and I met on a photo shoot for a catalog.”

“You’re a modelanda rockstar?” His eyes round. “That is so cool!”

I chuckle. “I think so too.”

He seems to tire out late in the afternoon, so I tell him I’m going to the airport to pick up his mom and grandma and I take off. The plan is for me to take them home and then Tracy will take her car to go see Toby while Taryn and I have some alone time to talk.

I don’t know what’s going to happen between us but Tracy told me to be patient, that Taryn wants to talk to me.

And then I saw the message.

I love you.

Short and to the point, but it gives me hope.

Tracy ordered a wheelchair for Taryn, because it’s hard for her to walk long distances between her sore ankle and ribs, so I spot them right away. Taryn looks worse than she did when I last saw her, her face now covered in bruises, but she’s still the most beautiful woman alive as far as I’m concerned.

“Hi.” I’m talking to both of them but my gaze is on Taryn.

Our eyes lock and for a few seconds it’s like there’s no one else but us.

Hers are filled with apology and regret, but I can love both of those away. As long as she loves me too.

I love you.

That simple message changed everything.

“Hey.” She gets up slowly, resting one hand on my forearm. “I can walk to the car, I just couldn’t make it through the whole airport.”

“Let me take the suitcases,” I say, since there are two big ones and two carry-ons. “And I’ll pull the car around. You guys wait here.”

I take three of the suitcases with me and get them stowed in my rental car before driving back around to where Taryn and Tracy are waiting.

No one says anything for a while but I reach across the center console and hold out my hand, waiting for Taryn to take it.

And she does.

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